Using T&D RTR-500 Series for Environmental Monitoring in a Critical Sample Storage Facility
The National Museum of Nature and Science in Japan established a large research center in Tsukuba in 2011. This building not only houses laboratories and a library but also stores numerous critical samples, such as animal, plant, geological, and human specimens, as well as highly valuable cultural and historical materials.
Therefore, the museum needed an environmental monitoring and management system to ensure that all objects and critical samples are preserved under safe and appropriate conditions.
Challenge: Controlling Temperature and Humidity in a Large Building
Following the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, the government mandated energy conservation, leading to reduced air conditioner usage.
At the same time, the samples and materials stored within the research center are crucial resources, making temperature and humidity monitoring and control even more essential.
This sample storage facility is a large, 7-story reinforced concrete building. Each floor is divided by the type of materials and samples stored. The administrative office is in a separate building, requiring a system that can group monitoring devices by category and send data to multiple computers in the office building, as well as to mobile devices for viewing data from anywhere in the world.
Issues to Consider Before System Installation
In designing the monitoring system, several key issues needed to be addressed. One was the annual Vikane gas fumigation to prevent insects and fungi. The team had to determine if this gas would affect the temperature and humidity sensors. After testing, it was found to have no adverse effect on the sensors.
Another critical issue was communication range and signal stability. Since the building is made of thick steel and concrete, and each room contains many large steel shelves, there were concerns that the wireless signal between the Remote Unit and Base Unit might be unstable. After testing, repeaters were installed where necessary to ensure stable data transmission.
Equipment Used in the Monitoring System
The RTR-500 Series is now discontinued and has been replaced by the improved RTR500B Series.
The main devices used in the original system include:
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RTR-503L for temperature and humidity measurement.
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RTR-500NW as a Network Base Station for LAN connection.
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RTR-500 used as a Wireless Base Station or Repeater to extend signal range.
T&D Solution Installation Method
RTR-503L Remote Units, equipped with high-capacity batteries, were installed at various points within each room on every floor to continuously measure temperature and humidity.
Some devices were mounted on shelves or walls using mounting accessories, with sensor lengths selected to suit the installation location.
In each area, one RTR-500NW Base Unit was installed per storage category, connected to the LAN system within the sample storage facility. Additional RTR-500 Repeaters were installed where needed to ensure stable signal transmission between the Remote Units and Base Units.
Real-time Monitoring System Usage
Recorded temperature and humidity data are automatically sent to a central computer in the nearby office building.
Additionally, the Base Unit can upload data to the T&D WebStorage Service, allowing relevant personnel to view data via the internet from anywhere, whether inside the building or off-site.
The system can also set alert limits. If measured values exceed the set thresholds, the system immediately sends an email notification to the responsible party. This includes not only alerts for abnormal temperature or humidity but also for low battery and communication errors.
Results After Installing the RTR-500 Series System
The use of the wireless RTR-500 Series system with compact data loggers allowed for device installation across all areas, even in hard-to-reach or non-visible locations.
Automatic wireless data transmission significantly reduced the workload of staff, as there was no need for manual inspection or data collection at each point.
The L model was chosen for its long battery life, making it suitable for installation in multiple areas and continuous long-term use.
Real-time monitoring every 5 minutes enables staff to respond quickly to anomalies, which is crucial when the facility stores highly valuable objects, samples, and materials.
Additional Benefits: Cost and Energy Savings
T&D WebStorage offers a cost-effective way to share data over the internet to various online-accessible devices.
In addition to monitoring temperature and humidity, the system revealed that the building maintains heat and cold very well, leading to more efficient air conditioning planning.
Based on the data, the museum was able to adjust its electricity usage plan, utilizing cheaper nighttime rates for the air conditioning system, thereby reducing both costs and energy consumption in the long term.
Conclusion
This case study demonstrates that T&D's wireless Data Logger system can effectively monitor temperature and humidity in large buildings, even in densely constructed areas such as reinforced concrete buildings and numerous steel shelves.
This system is suitable for locations requiring stringent environmental control, such as research sample storage facilities, museums, archive rooms, critical material storage rooms, laboratories, and factories that need continuous temperature and humidity monitoring.
With automated monitoring, email alerts, and online data viewing, administrators can confidently manage risks, reduce workload, and maintain the quality of stored items.
More product details can be found at
https://thai.fakiki.com/pages/t-d-data-logger-temperature-monitoring
Reference: https://tandd.com/usage/national-museum.html
